The University of West Florida Argos opened a new era of football by making history on their home field.

UWF defeated No. 16 Southern Illinois 34–31 at PenAir Field, earning the first NCAA Division I football victory in program history.

The Argos never trailed, built an 18-point lead and then held off a furious Southern Illinois comeback. The historic victory gives UWF a 1–0 record to begin its first season competing at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level.

A Full-Circle Moment for Kaleb Nobles

The victory came 10 years after UWF played its inaugural football season in 2016—and it represented a remarkable full-circle moment for head coach Kaleb Nobles.

Nobles was the first starting quarterback in UWF football history. In 2016, he led the brand-new Argos onto the field as a player.

Ten years later, Nobles led the Argos onto that same field as their head coach for the beginning of UWF’s Division I era. By the end of the night, he had guided his alma mater to an upset of the No. 16-ranked team in the country.

Argos Build an Early Lead

Southern Illinois opened the scoring with a field goal, but UWF quarterback Ty’Ray Davis responded with a 45-yard touchdown run to give the Argos a 7–3 lead.

Davis later connected with Jakari Mozelle for a 19-yard touchdown. UWF’s A’Khoury Lyde then intercepted Southern Illinois quarterback Jake Curry and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown.

The defensive score helped send the Argos into halftime with a 20–9 lead.

UWF extended its advantage to 27–9 in the third quarter when Markel Townsend completed an eight-play, 77-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown run.

Southern Illinois refused to go away, scoring 15 unanswered points to pull within three at 27–24 during the fourth quarter.

The Argos answered when Davis connected with L. Carroll for a 22-yard touchdown, extending UWF’s lead to 34–24 with 3:29 remaining.

Southern Illinois scored again to cut the lead to 34–31 and set up a dramatic final sequence.

An Interception Seals UWF’s Historic Victory

With 13 seconds remaining, Southern Illinois faced third-and-eight from the UWF 35-yard line.

Curry took the snap as the UWF defense brought pressure. He looked downfield and released the ball—but UWF defensive back David Law-Mortimer intercepted it.

Law-Mortimer returned the interception to the Southern Illinois 18-yard line as time expired, securing the first Division I football victory in UWF history.

SportsRadio Pensacola play-by-play announcer Brian Prawitz captured the excitement of the final play:

“Is it over? Is it over? The Argos make a statement in their opening night in Division I!”

Prawitz then delivered the historic final:

“The Argos beat the Salukis in their opening Division I game and open the ’26 season with a stunning win.”

[AUDIO PLAYER: Brian Prawitz With the Final Call of UWF’s First Division I Win]

Listen to the Final Call

Hear Brian Prawitz call David Law-Mortimer’s game-sealing interception and the final moments of UWF’s historic 34–31 victory over No. 16 Southern Illinois.

When Is the Next UWF Football Game?

The Argos will play their first United Athletic Conference game on Saturday, September 5, when they travel to Conway, Arkansas, to face Central Arkansas.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central at Estes Stadium.

How to Listen to UWF Football

Fans can hear the next game—and every UWF football game this season—on SportsRadio Pensacola:

• 99.1 FM
• AM 1330
• SportsRadio Pensacola App
• SportsRadioPensacola.com

SportsRadio Pensacola is the radio home of UWF Argos football.

2026 UWF Football Schedule

• August 27 — Southern Illinois — W, 34–31
• September 5 — at Central Arkansas — 6 p.m.
• September 19 — Austin Peay — 6 p.m.
• September 26 — at Southeast Missouri State — 6 p.m.
• October 3 — at Abilene Christian — 7 p.m.
• October 10 — Northeastern State — 4 p.m.
• October 17 — West Alabama — 4 p.m.
• October 24 — at Eastern Kentucky — 1 p.m.
• November 7 — at North Alabama — 6 p.m.
• November 14 — Tarleton State — 2 p.m.
• November 21 — at West Georgia — 1 p.m.

All listed times are Central. Game times and broadcast information are subject to change.

Follow the Argos throughout their historic first Division I season and listen to every game on SportsRadio Pensacola 99.1 FM and AM 1330. You can catch Will Kennedy with the Call on ESPN+